Identity of blaze victim is revealed

The burned body of a man discovered by firefighters investigating a blaze in Walsall has been identified, police revealed today.

Gary Ford, aged 32, was found when police and fire crews were called to wasteland behind the Somerfield shop and adjoining Texaco Service Station in Bloxwich Road, Leamore, last Wednesday evening.

Mr Ford, who lived in Bloxwich, suffered serious burns but a post-mortem to determine the cause of death was inconclusive. Further tests will be carried out.

Detectives are treating his death as unexplained and a fresh appeal has been launched for witnesses to come forward.

Det Insp Bob Bradford said: "It is not yet clear exactly how Mr Ford died or whether there is any criminality involved in his death or the cause of the fire.

"It is a matter of fact that he was badly burned and that we are still trying to gain a clearer picture of both his personal background and what happened."